Looking to buy a fourth generation Toyota Prius? The 2016 to 2022 Prius is a fantastic car for those looking for a hybrid car that is both economical and reliable. However, there are some things to watch out for and in this Toyota Prius buyer’s guide we are going to give you all the information you need to know before purchasing one of these excellent cars. Let’s get started!
Engine/Power Unit
Overall, the engine and hybrid system in the fourth generation Toyota Prius is known to be pretty robust and reliable. This is because Toyota worked out many of the kinks and issues that had plagued the third gen car (mainly around the head gasket).
To begin your inspection, move to the front of the Prius and lift the bonnet/hood. While you are doing this make sure the struts are working as intended. Also check the catch and hinges as well as a problem here could indicate the Prius has been in some sort of accident (check if they are new, working smoothly, etc.).
If the engine bay is super dirty it could indicate that the Prius hasn’t been maintained and looked after well. Alternatively, don’t be fooled by a completely spotless looking engine as this could be a sign of an owner or seller who has washed it to cover up a problem (leak, etc.).
Before you move onto a more thorough inspection of the engine, do a quick general check for any serious issues that are immediately obvious. For example, if you notice a huge oil or coolant leak straight away it probably isn’t worth wasting any more time on the Prius as Toyota sold plenty of fourth generation models.
Inspecting the Fluids
It’s always a good idea to check the fluids when inspecting a used car. Start off with the engine oil as if it is in a bad way it is a sign that the Prius hasn’t been maintained properly.
Be on the lookout for black sludge as this is often a sign that the oil hasn’t been changed in a while. This problem can also be caused by excessive idling, frequent short trips, environmental contaminants such as dust, and more.
Another thing to check for are any metallic particles or grit. While very tiny metal shavings in the oil are often quite normal, they aren’t normally visible to the naked eye. This means that if the particles are easily noticeable, there could be a problem such as contamination, bearing failure, etc. (we would almost certainly walk away from a Prius with this sort of problem).
Don’t forget to check for any foaming, frothy or milky-looking oil as well. This sort of problem can be a sign of a really serious issue such as a head gasket failure, so be very cautious if you notice this issue. Overfilling the engine with oil can also cause this sort of problem, but it doesn’t usually change the oil/foam’s colour (a leaking gasket or cracked block will usually make the foam lighter in colour).
While its not really necessary for most used car purchases, you can get the oil analysed prior to purchase. This can tell you things like whether or not it needs to be changed or if there are any foreign particles in it, etc. Some dealers will get this done prior to listing their cars, but this isn’t very common, and we wouldn’t expect them to do it on something like a fourth generation Toyota Prius.
Transmission
Body & Exterior
Steering & Suspension
Brakes
Interior
Electronics & the Rest
VIN
What is the Best Prius Model to Buy?
Which is the Most Reliable Prius Model?
General Car Buying Advice
4th Gen Prius Buyer’s Guide Conclusion